Laura got off the phone with Sally and sat back down next to her husband.
"Rob, I have an idea."
"What is it?"
"Let's take a little walk outside."
"Right now?"
"Yes, right now."
"But it's raining!"
"I know. Rob, remember when we went home from that USO dance, and it was raining heavily?"
"Yes, I do. We both got soaking wet!"
"Yes, we did! But it was fun, wasn't it?"
"Well, yes it was. Say, did your talking with Sally have anything to do with this?"
"Yes, it did. She and Thomas went to a restaurant. As the were leaving, the storm hit. He got the idea that they walk in the rain together. She said it was very romantic."
"I see." He paused for a bit. "Yes, it does sound fun; let's do it!"
"Great, Rob."
"But what about Ritchie?"
"What about him? He's been asleep for a couple hours. You can lock the front door if you're concerned about him."
"All right."
They both got up.
"Just a second, Rob." She slipped her loafers off. "I don't need these!"
"And I guess I don't need this!" He took his tie off. "Let's go!"
They walked out the front door. He took his key and locked it.
It was raining steadily, although not as heavily as earlier that evening. And it was also cooler, but still humid.
"So, where do you want to go?" asked Rob.
"I dunno. Let's just walk around the block."
"Ok."
They began walking.
"This fells wonderful!" Laura said.
"Yes, it does feel kinda nice."
"No, I mean walking barefoot in the rain! It feels so nice under my feet!"
"Oh. Well, maybe I should go barefoot the next time we do this."
"The next time, Rob?"
"Sure, we can do this again, if you'd like."
"Yes, Rob!"
They continued walking. The rain gradually soaked them. At one point, they saw a large puddle in the grass; Laura walked into it!
"Laura!"
She smiled. "I feel like a naughty little kid!"
"Well, you look like one!"
She got out, and they continued walking. They walked around the square block and came back to their house.
"This WAS fun!" said Rob.
"Yes, it was! I'll have to tell Sally about it."
"Do that!"
They hugged and kissed. Then Rob unlocked the door, and they walked in.
Their son was waiting for them.
"Ritchie! Shouldn't you be in bed?" said Laura.
"I wanted to get a drink of water. Where were you?"
"We walked in the rain," said Rob.
"You're all wet!"
"Yes, we are, Ritch!"
"And you're barefooted, Mommy!"
Laura smiled. "Yes, I am!"
"Can I go out in the rain, too?"
"NO!" Rob and Laura said together.
"Maybe the next time it rains," added Rob.
"Ok, Daddy!"
Laura got Ritchie a glass of milk, then tucked him to bed—still barefooted. Then she and Rob changed to pajamas and went to bed.